The front door clicked shut behind him with a soft thud. Will exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders back.“Mia?” he called gently, his voice barely rising above the hush of the evening.“In here,” her voice floated from the kitchen, light and honey-warm.He smiled as he dropped his keys into the ceramic bowl on the entryway table, shrugged off his coat, and followed the sound of her voice.Mia stood barefoot on the tiled floor, wrapped in one of his old college sweaters, the sleeves falling far past her wrists. She was humming a song as she stirred a pot on the stove, her golden-brown curls pinned lazily atop her head, with a few rebellious strands framing her face.Will paused in the doorway, his eyes softening as he smiled. He couldn’t look away.She turned just enough to catch him staring.“You’re home early,” she said with a quiet smile, her hand still stirring.Will walked toward her, his voice low and tender. “Couldn’t stay out there without you. And Will Junior.”He wrapped his
Asher sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers tapping thoughtfully against his knee.Caleb walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his chest bare and damp from the shower. His wet hair clung slightly to his forehead. He moved to the wardrobe, loosened the towel, and hung it beside the door. Naked, he reached into the wardrobe for a pair of trunks.Asher cleared his throat gently. “Can I talk to you about something?” he said, turning toward him.Caleb paused and looked over his shoulder. “If this is about what I think it is,” he said as he stepped into his trunks, “then don’t.”Asher blinked. “What do you think I’m going to say?”Caleb pulled the trunks up to his waist, his tone calm. “If it’s about Valen...""Your father," Asher corrected softly."I don’t have a father," Caleb interrupted without hesitation.Asher hesitated, watching him. “You cannot keep telling yourself that.”“Darling,” Caleb said with a dry laugh. “Don’t. I know you might feel guilty for bein
"No, this is not true," Asher said, looking at Caleb as he drew nearer."This bastard," Asher muttered, turning to walk away, but Caleb wrapped his arms around him, resting his head on Asher’s back.Asher stood still, breathing heavily, as Caleb pleaded softly, "Please don’t."Asher hesitated, then slowly turned around. His eyes locked with Caleb’s for a moment before he pulled him into a tight embrace.Caleb sobbed quietly, wrapping his arms around Asher."It’s okay," Asher whispered, pressing a kiss to his neck.---Asher stepped into the living room with Caleb, whose gaze was locked on Valen."What’s going on?" Valen asked curiously as he stood up.Asher paused, letting Caleb walk ahead toward Valen, his head lowered toward the framed photographs.Caleb exhaled shakily, then lifted his head. "At first…" His voice came out as a whisper, fragile and broken. "I thought I was wrong about the resemblance."Valen blinked, confused. "About what?"Caleb held up the pictures toward him. Val
Caleb leaned against the taxi window, phone pressed to his ear."I'm in a cab," he said, voice relaxed.Asher’s tone sharpened immediately. "That’s not safe. I’m sending a car right now."Caleb chuckled softly. "Darling, calm down. I’ll be fine. Just chill."Asher sighed, still not convinced.“Just make sure you stay safe,” he muttered.“Sure,” Caleb said softly, then ended the call.Moments later, tires screeched. A black SUV came out of nowhere and blocked the cab. The driver slammed the brakes.Before Caleb could react, masked men jumped out with guns pointed. People screamed and ran in every direction.Caleb’s heart froze. He slowly raised his hands in surrender. One of the men yanked the door open, grabbed him, and pulled him into their vehicle.The SUV sped off, its tires burning against the pavement, leaving the cab driver collapsed on the ground, shivering in fear.---Asher paced the living room for almost an hour, checking his phone repeatedly and calling again and again, bu
The next evening, Caleb walked into the hotel room feeling tired.He dropped his bag, took off his clothes until only his trunks were left, and collapsed onto the couch.Caleb tapped through his phone and started a WhatsApp video call to Asher.The screen connected, and a moment later, Asher’s face appeared. His hair was slightly messy, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Caleb."There you are," Asher said, smiling.Caleb grinned. "We did it. I am officially collaborating with Maison Vernetti."Asher’s face brightened. "That is amazing, Caleb. I am so proud of you.""I am coming home tomorrow," Caleb said. "Just need one more good night of sleep.""I cannot wait to have you back here," Asher replied, his voice softer now as he studied Caleb’s face through the screen.Asher tilted his head a little. "You look tired, but beautiful."Caleb laughed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I feel like I have been dragged through ten airports, but hearing your voice makes it worth it.""I wish
The flight to Florence was calm. Caleb sat by the window, gazing at the vast stretch of clouds, while his boss, Mr. Collins, worked beside him. Caleb’s heart pulsed with excitement and nerves. The thought of Maison Vernetti’s sleek designs and old-world charm sent shivers of inspiration down his spine.Upon arrival, the city welcomed them with golden sunlight and streets bathed in timeless elegance.They checked into Hotel Miravalle, a boutique masterpiece with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. At the front desk, a stunning receptionist greeted them.The hotel smelled faintly of citrus and polished wood. Chandeliers shimmered above like droplets of frozen light, casting a warm glow over the marble floor as Caleb stood beside Mr Collins at the front desk, holding his portfolio case close to his side."We will take two rooms," Mr Collins said, his voice calm but edged with fatigue.The receptionist, a young woman with bright eyes and a practiced smile, began typing quickly. "Of cou